Shapovalov warns Sinner: "My name no longer strikes as much fear, but I'm in a great moment"

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Denis Shapovalov is one of those names that always resonate in the circuit when talking about great talents that fell short. The Canadian, with two titles this year, is not in a bad moment at the tennis level to face Jannik Sinner in the third round of the US Open.

Shapo burst onto the circuit strongly back in 2017, presenting himself to the world with a huge victory over Nadal, in an incredible year for the Spaniard, where he won two Grand Slams. That Denis seems far away now, without having fully realized the potential he seemed to have and somewhat stalled in terms of physical and tennis regularity.

Nevertheless, this year he seems to have found a small oasis where he has better sensations. His two titles, in Dallas and Los Cabos, place him comfortably within the Top 30 and he does not rule out aiming even higher, aiming to get back to those privileged positions he once held, briefly slipping into the Top 10 in 2021.

Facing Sinner, as years ago in Australia

I remember it was a very tough match. I think I won in the fifth, but it was a tug of war between the two of us. It was a very challenging first round for both. Things have changed a lot since then. He has improved incredibly, and I believe I have too. That was years ago now. I'm looking forward to facing him again. These are the kind of matches I compete for and truly enjoy.

What do you think are Jannik's greatest strengths

Many. He has no weaknesses. He is solid from any side. I will have to dictate the point and try to play my game and go for my shots. He won't give me much, so I'll have to take what I can from him and seize my opportunities. I will try to be aggressive and not let him dominate too much.

About his confidence

I would say it's very high. It's different from when I was young, where confidence was also high but very fragile. My results show that my confidence is there. Even if I have had a couple of bad weeks or bad luck with the draws, I can come back and play at a high level the following week. That's why I've won three titles in the last year and had good weeks recently. Now I have a more solid confidence. I think that comes with age, but above all, with the hard work I put in and the team around me. We give 100%, and that gives me a lot of stability.

What did you learn from your problems in recent years

I am very grateful for everything I have done regarding my knee. It has been the greatest challenge I have ever faced. I didn't know if I would play again without pain. I had many doubts in my head those days. They were tough moments. It has been a tough road to travel. I played, but I wasn't winning, or in other matches, the pain in my knee would return. I always thanked my team for accompanying and supporting me in those moments.

Last year, I had to be very patient. Winning Belgrade the last week of the year was worth it. That victory meant 100 times more than my first title in Stockholm. It's never easy to climb back in the Rankings. There are many new guys growing up, and my name doesn't strike as much fear as when I was world number 10. Now, I'm in a great moment. I have won two titles in 2025 and am playing great tennis. In the third round, I have a great opportunity to play against Jannik. I'm looking forward to it.

Denis won the only match he faced against Sinner, but he knows that the Jannik of 2021 was very different from the one now, completely transformed into a completely different player. Let's see if the improvement he speaks of in the press conference helps him confront a man who surpasses his opponents with astonishing ease.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shapovalov avisa a Sinner: "Mi nombre ya no mete tanto miedo, pero estoy en un gran momento"